National Assembly environment secretary Sue Essex is to be invited to meet with Tenby Town Council to discuss the continued erosion of the town's South Beach.

Town councillors - and members of the public - have been concerned for a number of years over the erosion of the beach and have speculated that sand dredging in the Bristol Channel could have increased the level of erosion in recent years.

Meetings have been held with local MP Nick Ainger, Pembrokeshire County Council, Tenby Golf Club, the MOD and residents, and the town council recently wrote again to the National Assembly and the county council about the situation.

In a reply on Tuesday, the National Assembly explained that the county council was the coast protection authority (CPA) and had the power to protect land within its area.

While the Assembly could make coast protection grants available for appropriate schemes, the setting of local priorities and the power to carry out the work rested with the CPA.

As such, it was suggested that the town council consult with the county council.

A second letter from the Assembly added that a major research project into dredging in the Bristol Channel and possible effect on the environment was due for completion in the near future and the results of this study would form the basis of a policy for the issuing of dredging licences in the future.

"We really need to find out what the likely expenditure on coast protection work for the South Beach would be," said Clr. Mickey Folland.

"We need to contact Mr. Roger Barrett-Evans to find out if any contribution would be forthcoming from the county council, the National Assembly or the WDA.

"The Possford Duvivier report, commissioned by the former South Pembrokeshire District Council, laid out a five-phase plan, and we need to see if phase one can get underway.

"If we don't start prodding the county council in the right direction I am worried that nothing will ever be done."

However, Clr. Stuart Fecci said that he was confused by a letter from Mr. Barrett-Evans on the matter which claimed that the responsibility for the defence of the land rested with the land owners, in this case the MOD and Tenby Golf Club.

Mr. Barrett-Evans said that while the county council had commissioned a further study and would meet the management costs of a recommended scheme, the construction costs would have to be met by the land owners "and as yet they do not appear to be in a position to do so."

"The National Assembly say it's the county council's responsibility, yet they say it's the MOD and the Golf Club," said Clr. Fecci.

"When does it become the county council's problem, when the tide's lapping around Penally?"

Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas said that the town council had met with AM Christine Gwyther and MP Nick Ainger on the matter and wondered if another meeting would be in order for an update.

Members agreed that a meeting should be arranged, with Sue Essex also invited to attend along with county council officers, representatives of the MOD and the Golf Club, residents of the area and Penally Community Council.

Clr. Andrew Rees also questioned Mr. Barrett-Evans' suggestion that the beach erosion had been increased by a series of easterly storms which had "interrupted the normal replenishment mechanisms" and the hope that "more normal westerly weather patterns will allow the beaches to recover."

"I think a return to more traditional weather patterns is less likely if you accept that global warming is a fact, which is indicated by clear water at the North Pole and more severe and anomalous weather patterns of late.

"We all know the effect easterlies have always had on the harbour and South Beach, but you cannot escape the fact that we are losing sand, and this has only happened since the MOD removed the groynes some years ago."